SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — The Indian Consulate in San Francisco recently kicked off the ‘Chalo India’ Global Campaign for tourism, echoing the call made by Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during its inauguration on March 7, 2024, in Srinagar, Kashmir.
Attendees, including members of the Indian diaspora, community associations, and elected representatives, gathered at the India Community Centre (ICC) in Milpitas for the event, co-hosted by the Consul General of India and key partners such as the Association of Indo Americans (AIA) and Festival of the Globe – Silicon Valley (FOG).
Consul General Dr. K. Srikar Reddy urged attendees to become ambassadors for ‘Incredible India’ and encourage non-Indian friends to explore the country’s rich culture, heritage, and landscapes. With tourism being a vital contributor to India’s economy, the campaign aims to boost visitor numbers and promote India as a premier tourist destination.
The initiative comes at a crucial time, as India aims to recover from the tourism downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite challenges, the Consul General highlighted India’s potential, pointing out that it currently receives only 2% of global tourist spending, despite being home to diverse attractions.
Several community leaders, including Manoj Goel, CEO of ICC, and Tara Sreekrishnan, a California Assembly candidate, expressed their support for the campaign and outlined actionable steps for participation. San Jose Councilmember Arjun Batra emphasized the importance of sharing India’s rich cultural heritage with others.
Meanwhile, on the East Coast, the Consulate General of India in New York organized a similar event to mark the launch of the ‘Chalo India – Global Diaspora Campaign.’ Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan highlighted the United States as a key market for Indian tourism and encouraged members of the Indian diaspora to promote travel to India among their American friends and families.
The ‘Chalo India’ campaign underscores Prime Minister Modi’s vision of leveraging the Indian diaspora to promote tourism and strengthen cultural ties. By encouraging overseas Indians to visit India and inviting their networks to experience the country’s beauty, the initiative aims to position India as a top tourist destination on the global stage.
A dedicated website, https://www.chaloindia.gov.in/, will soon be launched to facilitate diaspora engagement and provide resources for planning trips to India. Additionally, the Consulate General of India in New York regularly hosts thematic webinars and participates in tourism expos to showcase India’s diverse attractions to the American audience.
